Branded 'Casey Moaner' by some, it's unfortunate such a phenomenally talented and successful rider could be painted as the villain.

But what a sensational villain he was.

His outspoken personality will be missed in MotoGP, purely because there isn't anyone left who is willing to tell it like it is.

A farewell patch on Stoner's Valencia leathers.Source: Supplied

The Australian world-beater An entire generation of Australian two-wheel racing fans are about to experience something that would have seemed impossible just a couple of years ago.

In 2013, we might not have a single rider either of motorcycle racing's top championships, MotoGP or World Superbikes.

Stoner's retirement ends a long line of Australian world champions, dating back to the era when Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan took on legends like Spencer, Lawson, Rainey and Schwantz.

For the last thirty years we have been able to switch on our TVs every Sunday night and cheer on one of our own as they take on the best the two-wheel world has to offer.

With Stoner's retirement, we won't be doing that for some time.

Stoner sliding the rear over Lukey Heights in 2008.Source: Supplied

The rider A tweet from injured American MotoGP rider Ben Spies during the Phillip Island weekend perhaps best illustrates why we will miss Casey Stoner the rider.

"Just watched a bit of FP2 gotta say without a doubt Casey Stoner does stuff even GP racers watch and scratch their head at! #pureclass"

Back in his time at Ducati his team raved about Stoner's ability. His exceptional throttle control. How he was able to shift his weight around on the bike to influence its handling in a way unlike any other rider they had seen.

And how he could ride absolutely flat-out, wringing the neck of the machine lap after lap, to extract the best-possible time.

It was a relief that Stoner's ankle injury didn't hamper his performance at his beloved Phillip Island, for it allowed him to show us one last time how truly exceptional a rider he is.

Through the Island's high-speed sweeps, Stoner had his bike sliding and the rear wheel spinning like no other. Just like he has for the last six years.

We hope you got a good look, because you won't be seeing it again.

The spoils of Stoner's last race at Valencia in what will be his final visit to the MotoGP podium.

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